Predatory imminence

Predatory imminence refers to how close a threat or predator is to an individual, influencing their behavior. When a predator is far away, animals tend to stay calm or behave normally. As the threat gets nearer, they may become more alert, cautious, or ready to fight or flee. When the predator is very close or attacking, the response shifts to immediate action—either escaping or defending themselves. This concept helps explain why people or animals change their reactions based on how imminent or immediate the danger feels, guiding survival strategies depending on the perceived level of threat.